oil changes

[orcking]

did my first oil change and it was very hard as I did not lift the truck.
For people who are doing oil changes,
1- what are you using to lift the car, jacks or ramps, and for both are you letting the car down to drain properly?
2- had hard time to remove the front plastic cover under oil filter, so I just unscrewed one end and let it roll down so I can reach the filter, do I really need to remove the whole thing and how for limited trim?
3- is 10K OK for oil change interval, normal city driving?

 

[Uofoducks15]

There is a great thread in the sticky on fluid and other basic maintenance. As a new owner myself it has been very helpful.

 

[BobsTrail]

I use a floor jack, on the bump on the front skid plate, then jack stands on the frame.

There is a great write up from [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION] with photos and part numbers at:

Oil Change 5th Gen: How To- LOTS of PICS! - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

 

[flyrv9]

I use jack stands with the rear wheels blocked and the E-brake on.

I don't know why you had trouble with the cover. I remove the cover and skid plate to be able to access everything easily. Use anti-seize on cover and skid plate bolts. Cover bolts could have been cross threaded by the previous oil changer.

I suggest you check out Antman's oil change thread - it's in the stickies.

I also suggest you check the owners manual for oil change interval for your conditions. However, I think 10K is pushing it. I do 7K but I don't do much city driving.

 

[orcking]

I saw that, however the skid plate on my 2020 Limited, look a little different from the pics shown.
Some of the front screws of the skid plate are hidden . I just removed the back screws and the skid plate leaned downward so I can barely reach the filter.

 

[Whippersnapper02]

1- what are you using to lift the car, jacks or ramps, and for both are you letting the car down to drain properly?

Nothing but have thought about using my Race Ramps I have for my GTO. They are rated high enough to handle the weight of the Runner.

2- had hard time to remove the front plastic cover under oil filter, so I just unscrewed one end and let it roll down so I can reach the filter, do I really need to remove the whole thing and how for limited trim?

Not sure if the limited is different but I remove the whole cover. It's not that difficult.

3- is 10K OK for oil change interval, normal city driving?

I change mine every 5K miles, not 10K. Also that's about every 6-8 months for me so oil age comes into consideration. I'm not a fan of leaving oil in that long. 3K is too early for me.

 

[flyrv9]

With mine being a 2013, perhaps the plate and plastic covers are different. Seems like there should be a way to release them though.

 

[Twilghtzone]

Oil changes ? I just use Harbor Freight lift ramps. Lifts the car high enough so you can do some other maintenance under there. If you put 'em in the back and you can easily do the grease fittings.

Have a couple floor lift jacks and stands if I want/need to take the wheels off.

13,000 Lb. Portable Vehicle Ramp Set

 

[patkelly4370]

I use jack stands.
I rotate the tires and under vehicle inspection & maintenance at the same time.
Still a PITA as I have only dirt/gravel to work on.

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[BobsTrail]

Still a PITA as I have only dirt/gravel to work on.

I have a good garage floor but it helps to save a large section of cardboard to work on. Keeps the floor clean and is easier to move on. Helps on cold winter days too.

 

[Dynamo]

did my first oil change and it was very hard as I did not lift the truck.
For people who are doing oil changes,
1- what are you using to lift the car, jacks or ramps, and for both are you letting the car down to drain properly?
2- had hard time to remove the front plastic cover under oil filter, so I just unscrewed one end and let it roll down so I can reach the filter, do I really need to remove the whole thing and how for limited trim?
3- is 10K OK for oil change interval, normal city driving?

1- I don't lift it at all. Plenty of clearance to get underneath for an oil change. Stock height '19 TRD ORP.
2- My DeWalt 20V 3/8" impact makes quick work of removing and installing bolts. I use it to remove the plastic cover as well as the metal skid plate and oil drain access panel.
3- Probably. I mean that's what Toyota says it should be with normal driving. I have always changed my oil every 5K miles though. I'm sure every 5K is a little overkill but I don't mind, gives me peace of mind.

 

[SpeedyKevin]

Seems like everyone answered 1 and 2 so Ill answer 3.

I live in LA and drive all over during the weekday and do lots of weekend trips (averaging 30k annually).

My last oil analysis showed there was still enough additive/oil was good enough for a 12k OCI.

 

[nightflyer]

I just did my first oil change on my 2020 Venture this weekend. I back mine up into the garage so that the front tires were on the edge of the lip of the concrete. It gave me a little extra room to work with. I didn’t have any issues getting the plastic or the metal skid plate off or back on. The nice thing about doing the first oil change is that everything is torqued correctly from the factory so removing the drain plug and oil filter was a super easy.

 

[kenwilliams0803]

Rhino ramps, and every 7500 for me.

I pull my skid completely off to make life easier.

 

[Ogre75]

Everything about the filter is ridiculous in my opinion. Would have been much simpler had they designed with a spin on filter in a remote location. But I digress.

 

[badattitude]

There are two plastic covers on limited that need to be removed before the metal cover can be removed. The first plastic cover routes air to the front diff. This is held by plastic fasteners. Pop out the inner grey pin with a screwdriver (or special tool). With that cover removed, you can remove the bolts holding the second plastic cover. (radiator protection) Then, the metal skid plate/cover can be removed. Yes, fasteners you need to remove are hidden unless done in this order, remove that air-flow cover first.

I use ramps and drain on a tilt. Yes if you tried to change the filter with those plastic covers on it must have been difficult. Pop off that skinny cover first and the rest is obvious. I did have the same issue on my first Limited oil change. I left those two plastic cover off for a few months. Put them back on for winter protection.

The part number for the plastic fasteners on the air flow cover is 90467-09227, in case you bugger them up.

 

[orcking]

Thanks badattitude, great info...

 

[umidkusername]

Dealership does it every 10k miles. I don’t think they will change it any sooner. I have a new 2020, 13k miles, changed at 10k. If I want it done sooner I have to go somewhere else.


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[jhebert9]

Oil change

I drive over a shallow ditch. The car stays level and I have plenty of room to work. My front skid plate is hinged on the front so I don't have to remove it. I loosen the bolts and swing it forward.

 

[TOYO74]

I drive over a shallow ditch. The car stays level and I have plenty of room to work. My front skid plate is hinged on the front so I don't have to remove it. I loosen the bolts and swing it forward.

Ready-made oil pit! I like your KISS approach. Wish I had such a place.